THE NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES

Over the next few months, our focus will be on the association of Jesus to the names of God provided in the Bible.  Perhaps to set up the beginning of that study, we look at some of the most important names of Christ, as our Savior.

In Luke 1:31, the angel Gabriel tells Mary that she will have a son and his name will be Jesus.  What does the name Jesus mean?  Salvation of God.  Could any other name more clearly identify Jesus’ purpose and promise of His life?  In Max Lucado’s book, When God Came Near, he describes the name of Jesus this way:  Jesus – In the gospels, it’s his most common name – used almost six hundred times. The book of John tells us “The Word became flesh”.  He was touchable, approachable, reachable…”Just call me Jesus” you can almost hear him say.  Having said that, Jesus is also eternal.  John 1:1 tells us “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Jesus is the name above all names.  Take the time to read how Paul described this in Philippians 2:9-11.

As believers, we live His name.  We can read in Scripture how we are anointed, forgiven, baptized and justified in His name.  Check out James 5:14, 1 John 2:12, Acts 10:48, and 1 Corinthians 6:11

We assemble in His name, we bear His name, believe in His name and call on His name.  Scripture shows us how in 1 Corinthians 5:4, 1 Peter 4:16, John 1:12, and 1 Corinthians 1:2.

In His name we give thanks, have life, preach, speak, and suffer.  Direction is provided in Ephesians 5:20, John 20:31, Acts 8:12, Acts 9:28, Acts 21:13 and 1 Peter 4:16.

And finally, we do everything in His name.  We can read that in Colossians 3:17.

Names are important.  Do you ever forget someone’s name and call them the wrong one?  That’s normal, especially for old folks like me.  But we never forget the Name Above All Names.  How could we after He has done so much for us.